Ryan Williams: The Australian winger who became India’s newest football star

In a landmark move for Indian football, 32-year-old winger Ryan Williams has officially become an Indian citizen, relinquishing his Australian passport to represent India at the international level. His decision, rooted in a deep family connection to Mumbai and Indian football, marks a symbolic return to his maternal heritage.

From Perth to Bengaluru: the making of a global footballer

Born to an Indian mother and Australian father, Williams spent his early years in Mumbai before moving to Australia, where he began his professional journey with Perth Glory. His career took him through clubs in England and Australia before joining Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). His impressive performance—three goals in as many matches—has made him one of the season’s standout players and the latest addition to the Indian national squad.

A family steeped in Indian football history

Williams’ football legacy runs deep. His grandfather, Lincoln Eric Grostate, was a celebrated player who represented Central Railway SC, the Tatas club, and Bombay, helping defeat a Bengal team that included nine internationals. His mother was born into an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai, and his grandfather’s stories of Santosh Trophy glory inspired him to reconnect with his Indian roots. Williams’ brothers, Aryn and Rhys, have also played professionally, with Rhys earning caps for Australia in the English Premier League era.

The road to Indian citizenship

Obtaining Indian citizenship required a year of residency, extensive paperwork, and numerous official procedures. Williams described surrendering his Australian passport as an emotional yet fulfilling act: “When something feels right, you have to go for it. The positives outweighed everything else.” His grandfather’s final wish—that he play for India—became a guiding motivation through the process. “It feels like things have come full circle,” he said.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Ryan Williams is a 32-year-old former Australian winger now representing India.
• He played for Bengaluru FC in the ISL before joining the Indian national team.
• His maternal grandfather, Lincoln Eric Grostate, represented Bombay in the Santosh Trophy during the 1950s.
• Williams is only the second foreign-born player, after Izumi Arata (2012), to obtain Indian citizenship for football.

A new chapter for Indian football

Williams’ selection by coach Khalid Jamil for the upcoming national camp marks a milestone in India’s efforts to globalise its player base. He expressed pride and anticipation about wearing the India jersey for the first time: “When I put on the India jersey, I’ll give everything for the country and the fans.” Physically fit and mentally sharper than ever, Williams hopes his decision will encourage other players of Indian origin to follow suit, saying, “We have to show others that it’s possible—to represent India and push the country forward.” His journey blends heritage, ambition, and patriotism, redefining what it means to play for India in a global era.